We memorized these poetic verses while still in school. They were meant to instill in us resolve and enthusiasm in the face of challenges, and even more than that, they were meant to deepen our belief that determination creates miracles.

Indeed, we kept these verses in mind over the years in the face of conflict, challenges, and strife. We use these verses to emphasize that the people are indeed the creators of life, of victory, and the creators of peace.

In the face of difficult times in our beloved country we come together to reaffirm that we want peace, that we are peace makers, and that we stand opposed to all those who beat the drums of war and threaten our safety. We firmly believe that when people are free they cannot be defeated, and their will cannot be broken by the prospect of war, on the contrary, they become more attached to their ideals, values, and basic rights.

Through our activities, we reaffirm the importance of athletics; sports is life, it is peace, indeed it is an oasis of safety and calm. The Beirut Marathon Association has chosen athletic activity as a national cause, and a noble message that we send to the world.

"The HSBCVivicitta-Run for Peace" is a race organized in cooperation with the Lebanese Ministry of Education, the UISP (Italian Union of Sports for All), and in coordination with the Union of Private Educational Institutions, the Lebanese Teacher's Syndicate, the Saida and vicinity network of schools, as well as the children's city councils in Lebanon, in addition to many other organizations and individuals who believe in peace as a method, and ultimate goal.

At the Beirut Marathon Association, we always run for a goal and purpose that transcends the individual, and expands to reach the community and country at large.
When we invite people to run for peace, we are really asking all Lebanese, from all walks of life to commit to the cause of peace. We ask them to join us on Sunday May 25 under the banner of peace. Let's form a human map, white as Lebanon's snow capped mountains, and reflect this peaceful color on the hearts of all our fellow countrymen and women.

We are looking forward to a wide-ranging participation in this event, we have however concentrated on the participation of private and public school children. Schools are where young minds are formed, where the seeds of knowledge are planted, so we may reap a bountiful harvest: our youth. We strive to arm our young generation not only with knowledge, but also with faith in their country and in their fellow man.
We have always believed that participation in these athletic events is tantamount to a spontaneous popular poll, and all our activities have produced the same result, a "yes" to a united Lebanon, a unity that can only be maintained by peace.

We insisted that our main cooperation for this race be with the ministry of Education and naturally, the Ministry of Youth and Sport, since this is an athletic event at its core. We hope that all of this will create the best possible circumstances in order to present an event worthy of our great country.

In the private sector, we are coordinating with different educational institutions that have always shown us a high level of participation.

We raise the olive branch with our hand
And in our hearts is the love of our land
We are resolved to reach our goals
To stand on the champion's pedestal
Our song of joy rises
And our hands clap happily
On Sunday May 25 2008
The sun will rise in peace
To give us warmth and security
Let's be the first
Let's surpass time,
And write a new chapter for our country
So all coming generations can read
That once in time and space
The Lebanese people were able to create peace in many ways and running through the Beirut Marathon was one.